Jennifer Lau is blazing a trail for AAPI triathletes

by Erin Chew

There’s not a lot of Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in triathlons, and Jenifer Lau wants to change that.

A proud Chinese American, Lau is the current Vice President at IMG, a global sports and culture company. One of her projects is leading and expanding opportunities for the upcoming Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, which is the world’s toughest multi-course race which is taking place in San Francisco.

With over 25 years of sports and entertainment event management experience, Lau plans to use her leadership position and influence to create an inclusive and representative experience for all athletes competing.

“It has always been my prerogative to ensure I use the powers and platforms I have to promote more diversity in all the events I am involved with leading. As a proud Chinese American, I am passionate in pushing to have more AAPI and Asian representation. For The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon despite how grueling it is, I have worked hard to ensure we are attracting more athletes who look like us”, she stated in a recent interview with AsAmNews.

Categorized as an extreme sport, a triathlon is really a true test of endurance as it requires athletes to swim, run and cycle. Having acknowledgement as an Olympic sport, it is still one where AAPIs are not as readily represented and visible.

Lau has some insights on why she feels triathlons are not as popular among AAPIs as opposed to the other extreme sports.

“I think all sports- action (traditional stick and ball types) and extreme sports are all aspirational and inspirational,” Lau said. “The dedication, abilities, skills and grit shown by athletes is just so amazing. However, in my personal opinion, there is something extra with extreme sports – the sport, whether it be triathlon, skateboarding etc shapes the identity of the athlete and the athlete grows with the sport.”

“With triathlons, I feel it is a newer sport for AAPIs and even the Asian diaspora. You do not see many who are champions yet,” she continued. “That is part of the reason why there is a lack of representation, in my opinion.”

What is the Asian representation like in the management and leadership roles within the industry? Does the management and leadership behind companies and organizations working in this industry reflect the growing diversity of its athletes?

Lau indicates that no, it still does not match up and there needs to be more AAPIs, Asians and other people of color who need to enter the industry and shift the demographics of management and leadership in the industry.

“Representation and visibility in the industry in roles like the one I have is still very dismal,” Lau said. “So much more needs to be done to change this. In management, there are many gaps with cultural diversity, especially in more senior positions – changes definitely need to be made at these levels. I do feel I am one of the very few who have made it to a senior position, and I plan to use it to get more AAPIs like myself into management and leadership positions.”

“I encourage more AAPIs who are thinking of entering this industry to look for opportunities and apply. The more we do this, the more we will shift the demographics and change the industry,” she added.

The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon will be held on June 1, 2025 at the San Francisco Bay Area.